SINGAPORE. Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) has awarded its first master duty free and general merchandise concession to luxury travel retailer DFS Group.
DFS, a long-term partner of SCC, will be in charge of the development and operations of seven duty free outlets in the HarbourFront and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals for the next five years, with a two-year option.
The award follows a public tender called in June this year through The Moodie Davitt Report for the development and operation of the duty free operations at the two marine facilities.
This is the first time SCC has consolidated its separate contracts for existing duty free concessions across six categories. These include liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, fashion and travel accessories and confectionery, all wrapped into a single contract, commencing 1 April 2017.
SCC wanted a single duty free operator which could maximise space productivity by offering an optimal mix of merchandise to meet customers’ needs, focusing on categories with higher yield. The winning bidder also had to enjoy economies of scale from a lower cost base and provide a wider range of offerings.
SCC has also reconfigured the main retail space at the arrival and departure areas of its terminals, expanding the area to about 6,000sq ft.
SCC CEO Christina Siaw said: “SCC is delighted by the interest in our duty free and general merchandise concession, which attracted participation from the world’s leading international duty free concession operators.
“We were highly impressed with the passion, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by participants in the tender proposal and interview stages. We thank all companies who participated for putting in the time and effort.
“After a thorough evaluation process, we have decided to award the concession to DFS and congratulate its team for putting together the most compelling proposition.
“Passengers at our terminals will soon see a raft of exciting retail offers, including more shop space, an enticing new store concept, as well as new brands, marketing activities and services to enhance their shopping experience.”
DFS Group will deliver what it called a “seamless, one-stop and interactive shopping experience” across seven outlets at SCC’s terminals for travellers arriving to and departing from Singapore by sea. The master concession expands DFS Group’s presence to serve the over 6.3 million ferry passengers and 560,000 cruise passengers who pass through SCC’s terminals annually.
DFS will begin a phased renovation at its outlets and introduce a revamped design inspired by the traditional seafront buildings nestled among Singapore’s coastline. It will offer unique products from over 150 brands, new food and whisky tasting stations, and new e-commerce, collection and home-delivery platforms.
DFS Group President Global Store Operations Tim DeLessio said: “DFS Group is proud to have grown with Singapore Cruise Centre throughout the past two decades to create a luxurious travel retail experience unique to the cruise and ferry business. Through our strong partnership, we have built a hub for both Singaporeans and visitors alike to enjoy best-in-class retail offerings as they travel to and from this wonderful city. We are confident that together we will reach new heights.”
The Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd was corporatised in 2003 and manages the cruise terminal and three ferry terminals in Singapore.
NOTE TO AIRPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL OPERATORS: The Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport or other travel-related commercial revenues, simply e-mail Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com.
We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately.
All such stories are consolidated in our popular Tender News section (see home page dropdown menu) that has been running since 2003.
